Amanda M. Kirwin, a 14-year-old girl from Franklinton, OH, tragically lost her life on August 12, 2014. She was fatally shot while talking with friends outside her home on Dana Avenue. Amanda, known affectionately as "Lil Marley," was a recent graduate of Starling Middle School and an active member of the Run the Race Ministry.
The investigation into Amanda's death led to the arrest of 16-year-old Donald W. Loper IV.
Loper, who had two pending criminal cases in Franklin County Juvenile Court at the time, was charged with Amanda's murder. According to police, Amanda was not the intended target, but rather someone else in her group. Despite this, Loper was accused of shooting Amanda with a 9 mm handgun. He was later sentenced to 16 years in prison for involuntary manslaughter and tampering with evidence.
The case drew significant attention due to Loper's prior criminal history and the circumstances surrounding Amanda's death. The community mourned the loss of the young girl, and her family and friends continue to remember her fondly.
